The Best Patios in Toronto for Dining Al Fresco
13 of our favourite spots to enjoy the summer sun along with great food, drinks and company
As the sun shines and the weather warms, local restaurants are embracing the joy of patio season this summer. From rustic–chic to ultra modern, we’ve curated a list of the Toronto’s best patios to enjoy for their great eats and even greater ambiance.
Public Gardens
Perched above King West, Public Gardens boasts a lush rooftop patio and a menu of Italian-American comfort food—think saucy rigatoni, crispy mozzarella sticks, and crisp, thin-crust pizzas. Espresso martinis and frozen bellinis flow freely, especially during a generous happy hour. With DJs spinning nightly and a warm, communal vibe, this stylish haunt hits that sweet spot between laid-back local favourite and late-night destination. Bonus: it’s open every single day.
PAROS
Bask in the sunshine at PAROS Yorkville, where the chic patio and Mediterranean menu offer a perfect escape. Designed by local studio All in The Design, this new taverna-style space blends effortless elegance with inviting warmth—an ideal spot for alfresco dining in Toronto.
Soluna
Inspired by coastal regions from around the world, Soluna’s patio offers a beachy and free-spirited ambiance for early suppers and late nightcaps alike. Hand-painted murals, impactful plant features and lounge furniture work in unison to create an atmosphere that is as elegant as it is comfy. An added bonus: live performances by musicians, dancers and DJs transform the space into an ultimate entertainment escape come sunset.
Kasa Moto
Before you even sit down to enjoy the sake sangria and soft-shell crab maki, the journey to the top of Kasa Moto is an experience unto itself. You access it by turning onto the side of the restaurant that faces Old York Lane— one of Yorkville’s scenic passageways with its cheek-to-cheek patios and jewel-like shopfronts. Up a slender set of stairs, you reach the reception, framed by a breeze-wall of Tetris-stacked, black-painted bricks. Just beyond, the scene stealer beckons: A marvellous and massive rooftop bar topped in pink quartzite anchors the setting with allure. It’s the standout in a space that has many superbly appointed details to recommend it.
Photography by Jessica Blaine Smith.
Bar Pompette
Looking for a trip to Paris this Summer but can’t afford the flight? Bar Pompette is a French-inspired snackery and cocktail bar offering shared plates and drinks that guarantee a bon appetit. Tucked into the College Street bar’s backyard, a small walkway welcomes guests into a moonlit and incredibly romantic courtyard, where chic cocktail tables line the perimeter and create an atmosphere reminiscent of a Parisian café.
La Plume
With not one but two patios—an airy ground-level terrace and a second-storey balcony perfect for people-watching—La Plume is The Well’s breeziest brasserie. The menu is a chic nod to the French seaside, starring oysters, steak frites five ways, and a lineup of elegant tartares. Pair your plate with a Qu’est-ce Que C’est: a sparkling pink cocktail that tastes as good as it looks. Très charmant.
El Catrin
Combining the warm feeling of a private backyard with the extravagance of a 5-star resort, this hotspot in the Distillery District is one of Toronto’s most beloved patios. Serving delightful Mexican dishes with unique twists, El Catrin‘s patio is just as eclectic as its menu offerings. Beyond its bold furniture and cobblestone floor, one of El Catrin’s most evocative elements is its lighting. Large black and yellow pendants – made of metal with a decorative shade fringe – hang from wooden beams throughout.
Paradise Grapevine
Patio lovers, welcome to Paradise. While waiting for boozy picnics to become legal, Paradise Grapevine offers one of the best patios in Toronto. The Bloor Street wine bar and winery recently opened a larger location on Geary Avenue, both worth visiting.
Civil Parks
Fronting St. Andrew’s Playground on Brant Street is Civil Parks, the latest concept from the team behind Civil Liberties and Civil Works. The vibe? “Recess for grown-ups,” says co-founder Nick Kennedy, who envisioned the patio as a whimsical homage to summer holidays and retro childhood joys.
Secret Courtyard Garden
Just a few steps east lies The Secret Courtyard Garden, tucked behind a set of wrought-iron gates at Waterworks. Designed by Futurestudio with lush landscape design by Michael Ormston-Holloway, the courtyard is the antidote to the city’s constant buzz—a space where you can lose track of time under the canopy of 12-foot trees.
EPOCH Bar & Kitchen
EPOCH‘s patio and outdoor bar brings a resort feel within an urban setting. Dressed in natural wood, wicker and greenery, this beloved patio is located in the historic Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Luxe outdoor fire pits make this patio feel extra comfortable, whether you’re enjoying a late-night dinner or catching some sun over afternoon tea.
Mercado’s
Just south of the city’s Castlefield Design District, Mercado’s patio is as unique as its delicious and authentic Portuguese fare. With a biophilic arrangement hanging above, this patio stands out for its lush and European-inspired aesthetic and family-friendly seating to match a long list of shareable main courses. Azulejo tile and garden statues are among the Portuguese design staples peppered throughout the must-see patio.
Grape Witches
Playful and pretty, this outdoor space is a new and evolving addition to the popular Dundas West wine shop/bar Grape Witches. It’s a simple patio centred by a stone water fountain and featuring picnic-style furniture for parties small and large. Book the space for a private gathering or explore the Grape Witches wine menu at one of the shop’s community events, including wine education hours and tastings.
Evangeline
For those seeking a quintessential rooftop patio bar in the city, Evangeline is where you want to be. Atop the city’s Ace Hotel, this Fashion District rooftop bar boasts stunning downtown views, a cozy indoor lounge and a wraparound space to enjoy the sun. Design-forward furniture mixes mid-century and brutalist quirks, and its moody palette makes a perfect setting for your next date night.
Café 23
Cafe 23 serves rich coffee for your morning needs alongside pastries sourced from local bakeries. The back patio is one of the best hidden gardens that will transport you far from the hustle and bustle of Queen Street West. This Parisian-style cafe just steps away from Trinity Bellwoods is both quaint and classic in its nod to French architecture and romantic garden design.
KŌST
KŌST brings West Coast style to the 6ix with its beach house design featuring woven chairs, plush sun beds and an array of lush greenery. Located on the 44th floor of the Toronto Bisha Hotel, this restaurant and outdoor patio offer a rooftop pool with stunning city views.
